2024-05-03_PERMIT FILE - C1980007 (2)

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2.05-57 Rev. 11/96- PR07; 10/20 TR148 During topsoil preparation, seeding, and planting activities are conducted parallel to the contour unless such activities prove hazardous to equipment and/or operators due to conditions of steep slopes, etc. Various conditioners and neutralizers may be used to modify the seedbed conditions, or enhance vegetative cover, if required. The ameliorative soil treatments proposed include the following:  Deep harrowing with a long shanked chisel plow along the topographic contour to loosen the soil.  Stubble mulching, mulching with straw pressed into the surface with a disc, or by using mulches of other kinds, e.g., excelsior, rock chips, wood chips, etc., appropriately applied.  Fertilizing with an appropriate formula as indicated by soil analyses.  Liming of seedbed material, if necessary, with application of agricultural ground limestone at the rates indicated by soil analysis. Prior to liming, fertilizing, or planting, the soil surface is scarified or otherwise roughened, particularly if the soil surface is glazed or crusted. After liming and/or fertilizing, the soil treatments is worked into the soil. The prepared seedbed material is then seeded and planted. Seeding Mixtures A number of considerations are made in selecting plant species. These include the species listed in the baseline biological survey, species geographical range, soils, climate, slope and aspect, root competition, cover, and seasonal variation. The seed mixes have also been reviewed in light of experience gained on West Elk Mine revegetation test plots, and past reclamation efforts quantitative data collected in 1980 describing the present vegetative cover, and in terms of the wildlife requirements noted in Restoring Big Game Range in Utah by A. P. Plummer, D. R. Christensen, and S.M. Monsen (1968) and Management Guidelines for Selected Deer Habitats in Nevada by P. A. Tueller and L. A. Monroe (no date). Grasses are generally the most effective plant materials for controlling erosion in the early stages of reclamation. Shrubs and forbs are being planted to provide further soil stabilization. The shrubs will create a protective canopy and will further build up the surface organic litter which will control erosion and surface runoff. The combination of grasses and shrubs should provide diverse biological communities which will support both wildlife and domestic stock. The revegetation objective for disturbed areas is to achieve a self-sustaining vegetative cover of hardy grasses and shrubs that will become a productive and ecologically stable biotic community. The revegetated areas will be reclaimed to support wildlife and livestock grazing. Areas disturbed during mining will be reseeded during final reclamation with native species or a mixture of native and introduced species. Mixtures containing introduced species may be more efficient in establishing ground cover for preventing erosion and protecting topsoil since some may grow faster and produce cover more